In Memoriam

TRIBUTES

Northampton Town will recognise and remember supporters, former players, staff and Directors with a montage on the big screen twice a season, the final home game of the calendar year and the final home game of each season. To have a loved one included, please email a photo and details to gareth.willsher@ntfc.co.uk. We will also publish tributes via the matchday programme, please send details to the same email address.

This page is dedicated to the memory of members of the Northampton Town Football Club family who have sadly passed away. Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with their respective family and friends during these sad times. We hope that they will rest in peace, and like many other friends, they will never be forgotten.

ALDRIDGE, MartinThe scorer of the first ever goal at Sixfields, Martin was a young player with a promising career ahead of him when he was tragically killed in a road accident on his way home from a Rushden & Diamonds game in January 2000. He will always have a place in the history of Northampton Town Football Club.

ALKER, PeterSadly, Peter died suddenly on Sunday April 7 2002, just hours after watching the Cobblers beat Wycombe 4-1. Peter was a former officer of the Supporters Trust, acting as joint treasurer for many years. Our thoughts and deep sympathies are with his family and friends.

AMOS, BarbaraOlder supporters will be sorry to learn of the death of Barbara Amos who ran the club shop during the late Seventies and early Eighties at Abington Avenue. Firstly in the house that the supporters club used and later when it was built beneath the stand.

ANSELL, JackNorthampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the passing of former goalkeeper William John 'Jack' Ansell. 'Jack' as he liked to be known, was a goalkeeper playing for Bletchley Brickworks when Derby County realised his potential and made an offer for him. The Cobblers stepped in, offering terms and the chance for him to remain in his hometown. Although he was signed as cover to Jones and Scott he soon took over as the club's number one keeper. A broken leg against Southend in February 1951 ended a run of 105 consecutive league and cup games, and when he returned to full fitness he found his way barred by the more experienced Alf Wood. In all he made 147 first team appearances in a Northampton shirt made up of 131 league, 11 F.A. cup and 5 others. Released in 1952, he joined neighbouring Headington (later to become Oxford United) and in three seasons helped the club win the Southern League championship once and the Southern League cup twice. He also assisted them to the fourth round of the FA Cup knocking out league sides Millwall and Stockport on the way. Jack was also avery keen cricketer and played into his 60's.

ARNOLD, LesNorthampton Town Football Club were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Les Arnold in June 2017. Les was a long time supporter of the club. He was involved in the running of the Mounties Travel Club in the 1980s and 1990s, and was a club steward for many years at Sixfields. A friendly face and always happy to help, Les could be found stewarding on Gate 5 for many years, until in later seasons moving to look after supporters attending games in wheelchairs, until ill health limited the number of matches he could attend. Les was a huge friend to the club and was known, liked and respected by many who attended matches at Sixfields. We were all deeply saddened by his passing and send our condolences to his friends and family.

ASH, LeslieA Cobblers fan for 71 years, Leslie sadly passed away on 30 January 2004. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

ATTLEY, StanCobblers supporter Stan Attley sadly passed away peacefully at home on August 14th 2012, aged 94. He was a lifelong supporter of the Cobblers and first went to the County Ground as a youngster with his older brother Horace in the 1930s. After the war they both had season tickets in the main stand at the County Ground. He continued with his ticket after the move to Sixfields. With friends and family he regularly travelled to away matches and together with grandsons enjoyed the Play Off games at Wembley. He particularly enjoyed talking about the teams of the 50s and 60s, 'Flash' Fowler, Jack English, and Cliff Holton were among his favourites as well as the First Division promotion winning team. In recent times he used to enjoy the banter with the late Terry Branston who sat behind him in the stand at Sixfields. He was so pleased and relieved that the Cobblers got the results they needed to stay up and he had his ticket ready for the first home match of the new season. We would like to send our deepest condolences to Stan's family and friends on their sad loss.

BAKER, FredNorthampton Town were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of long time supporter Mr Fred Baker in August 2011. Fred's son James said, "I would like to thank supporters for all of the messages of support and respect that I have recieved. My Dad was a cobbler through and through and always had time for other supporters be that organising coaches, working with the Trust or by queueing up to get tickets for others. I don't have the words to say how much I will miss Dad but I know he would be touched with all the messages of support that people have given me at this difficult time."

BARRON, Bill Northampton Town Football Club were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player Bill Barron at the start of 2006. Bill was born in Houghton-Le-Springs in October 1917, when World War One was at its peak. He started his football with Annfield Plain where he was spotted by Wolverhampton Wanderers and moved to the Midlands but sadly he never made an appearance for the first team. He returned to Annfield Plain where a few days before his 20th birthday Charlton Athletic paid £350 for his services. In those days he was a sprightly winger and made three appearances for Athletic, finding the net twice.Despite this record he was not retained and found his way to Northampton Town on a free transfer.He managed just one full season before war broke out and he joined the R.A.F. During hostilities he became a 'guest' player for both Northampton Town and Leicester City. One match that always stood out was against Arsenal when he was not originally selected for the side but with players dropping out (as was the problem with war time football) he found himself selected as a forward and scored a hat-trick, although he still he ended up on the losing side. By the time hostilities had ceased he had converted to left back and formed a formidable partnership with Tom Smalley as the last outfield line of defence.Bill had a fine voice and often entertained his teammates when returning from their long coach trips with a melody of his songs. He left the club in 1951 but a year before he had been awarded a testimonial against a 'Combined League XI'. The opposition included Alf Wood of Coventry who had played alongside Bill in wartime football, Stoke's Neil Franklin, Frank Broome of Notts County and Reading's Gordon Brice - one of Bill's colleagues in the Northamptonshire County cricket side, and it has to be said that Bill was a fine cricketer. He had played for Durham in the early days and Northamptonshire when he joined the Cobblers. He made nearly 5,000 first class runs in his career and once hit 161 v Cambridge University. He was in fact the last player to regularly play for the Cobblers and County cricket team on a regular basis. When his son Roger turned out in goal for Northampton Town in the late 60's they became the first father and son to play for the Cobblers since the war.

BAXTER, Billy Northampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the death of former player-manager Billy Baxter, who died at the age of 70 in May 2009. The Scot, who was part of Sir Alf Ramsey's Ipswich Town team that won the Second Division and First Division titles in consecutive seasons in 1961 and 1962, was manager of the Cobblers in 1972-73. Billy sadly passed away at Dunfermline hospital following a battle with cancer.

BILLINGHAM, Malcolm Supporter Malcolm Billingham sadly passed away on 11th June 2017 suddenly at home, aged 74. Mr Billingham was Northampton born and bred and a lifelong Cobblers supporter from the club's time at the County Ground, when he lived one street away, to Sixfields. He was a season ticket holder for many years until recently when following a couple of falls at Sixfields and other ill health meant he could no longer attend and resorted to tuning into the radio instead. He was such an avid supporter he even watched the Cobblers on his wedding day in March 1970! He always made his family laugh as he would arrive an hour early "to get a parking space" and leave 10 minutes before the end "to miss the rush" often missing a vital goal! He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

BLACKWELL, RonaldA Cobblers fan for 80 years, sadly passed away at 88 on Wednesday January 3rd 2018, will be missed by everyone that knew and cared for him.

BOTT, EddieIn 1964 Eddie became the proud owner of a car, a Hillman Minx. A regular journey from his home in Rugby would be to pick up his father-in-law from West Haddon and set off to watch the Cobblers. Once son Russell was old enough, in 1967, the three of them would carry out this ritual which we are sure is typical of many Cobblers families. After the passing of his father-in-law in 1968 it was up to Eddie and Russell to keep the tradition going with Eddie's wife who was by now going to more and more games. Most of these games were viewed from their regular spot at the top of the Spion Kop in all weathers and enduring some dire seasons near the foot of the 4th Division. Once the Kop became the away end they courted the duckboards, the terrace and the Hotel End but never settled on one spot. The years went by until the club were in the comparative luxury of Sixfields. Unfortunately Eddie didn't see many games there, with his last being a 2-0 win against Fulham in September 1995. Subsequently as part of the Club Centenary "Name a seat" scheme they marked the seat where Eddie watched his last Cobblers match. Alongside him was his wife, Mary, who at 80 is still a season ticket holder in the North Stand and part of the modern day family ritual of going to the Cobblers. Russell's daughters, Ruth and Harriet take in as many games as they can so they are back up to three generations for most matches. Despite all the ups and downs, the Bott family will always be there.

BOWEN, DaveIn the long, proud history of Northampton Town, Dave Bowen will be remembered as a legendary manager who achieved the near-impossible feat of taking the club from Division 4 to Division 1 in the first half of the 1960s. Before then, the Cobblers had never featured in the top two divisions of the football league. Though the club’s time near the top of the league pyramid was brief, a generation of Cobblers fans was able to see some of the legendary names of football appear on the County Ground turf, and to witness a few famous wins against star-studded teams of international players. Dave Bowen’s long association with Northampton Town probably would not have happened had his father not taken a job managing the Roadmender Club in the town, which caused the family to move from their home in Maesteg, Wales. The young Dave Bowen joined the Cobblers in 1947, but made only 12 appearances before being signed by Arsenal. He was at Highbury from 1950 until 1959 making 146 appearances, and was the captain for the last two seasons. During that time, he captained his country in the 1958 World Cup finals. He returned to the Cobblers as player-manager in 1959, when the club was in the newly-formed fourth division. Promotion was secured in 1960-61, and the following season the team went one better when the Third Division championship was won. The next year saw consolidation in mid-table, followed by the unforgettable 1964-65 promotion season which completed the climb to the top. The headline in the local newspaper said it all, ‘To glory on a shoestring’. Life in the top division was tough and the club was relegated after just one season, but Bowen’s teams secured wins against some strong sides, including the then-mighty Leeds United and West Ham United, who then had three players who would become World Cup winners at the end of the season. For ten years, Dave was also the national team manager of Wales in a part-time capacity. The second half of the 1960s saw the Cobblers fall back through the divisions. Dave remained as manager until 1967. However, he held positions as general manager and club secretary, and came back for a second spell as team manager from 1969 to 1972. He subsequently became a director and club president. Dave Bowen died on 25 September 1995.

BOYLING, NormanWe would like to pass our condolences on to the friends and family of Mr Norman Boyling in March 2013. Norman worked for St Johns Ambulance. He attended our games for 45 years as part of the voluntary service and was presented with a team picture when he retired last year. We were very sorry to learn of his passing.

BRANSTON, TerryNorthampton Town were saddened to learn of the passing of former player Terry Branston in December 2010. Terry joined the Cobblers as an amateur in October 1958 and took part in the Thursday afternoon full practice matches by telling his Rugby based employers that he had an ongoing appointment at Northampton General Hospital for an ear infection! His Northampton debut came in the 3-3 draw at London Road v Peterborough United in October 1960 and by the beginning of the next season he had made a first team spot his own. He was the club's regular centre half as the club rose from Divisions Four to One, one of the few players who managed the feat with the same club. When the Cobblers fell back to Division Three, Terry joined Luton after playing 271 competitive games and scoring two goals. At Kenilworth Road his magic worked again and he helped his new club from Division Four to Division Two amassing 118 games and scoring ten goals. In 1970 he joined Lincoln City and in three years with the Imps he saw the club just miss out on promotion to Division Three, preventing him from achieving a personal hat trick of promotions. Terry wound down his career with non league sides Kings Lynn, Nuneaton, Long Eaton, Enderby, and V.S. Rugby where he was manager. He also took up refereeing when finished with management. During his playing days he started a driving school and taught many of his playing colleagues to drive as well as other well known locals like cricketing legend Colin Milburn. Terry was one of the few ex players who became a season ticket holder at the club. We sendour thoughts and condolences to Terry's friends and family.

BRETT, BobBob Brett, who sadly passed away in April 2008, was a farmer living in Bromham, Bedfordshire. He came on the Cobblers board in 1959 at about the same time the Cobblers started their rise from Division Four to One. He is the only Northampton Town chairman to have two spells in the hot seat, both were short term. His first was for one season (1968-69) when the club were relegated back to Division Four and he became Chairman again in 1977 for one season. He left the board in 1979 but still retained shares in the club. Something of a sportsman in his younger days, Bob was a more than fair cricketer.

BROTHERS, GrahamGraham Brothers, a lifelong Cobblers supporter, sadly passed away in August 2018. Graham grew up watching the Cobblers with his father at the County Ground and witnessed the rise to the First Division in the 1960’s. In his later life, Graham regularly attended matches with his sons Chris and Danny and grandchildren Harry and Isaac.

BROWN, Bill Bill Brown was born in Arbroath in October 1931. He was a former Spurs and Scotland goalkeeper who had a brief spell at Northampton Town from October 1966 to February 1967. He made 21 appearances for the club before moving on to Toronto Falcons. The club would like to send our sincerest condolences to Bill's family and friends following his sad death at the start of December 2004.

BROWN, JohnNorthampton Town Football Club would like to send their sincerest condolencies to the friends and family of Mr John Brown. John was a season ticket holder in the Dave Bowen Stand and had been a season ticket holder for 40 years before sadly passing away in the summer of 2006.

BURDON, ChrisEveryone at Sixfields would like to pass on our condolences to the friends and family Chris Burdon. Chris, a lifelong Cobblers supporter who sat in the West Stand, sadly passed away in February 2012.

BUSWELL, JohnNorthampton Town were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr John Buswell of Wollaston on July 5th 2009. Mr Buswell sat in the West Stand and followed the club for many years. He will be sadly missed by his friends and family and his many friends at the Cobblers and the Salvation Army.

BUTCHER, RichardNorthampton Town Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former midfielder Richard Butcher at the age of just 29 in January 2011. Locally born Richard started his career as a youth trainee here at Northampton Town, and although he failed to make a first team appearance for the club, he did represent Lincoln City, Oldham Athletic, Peterborough United, Notts County and most recently Macclesfield Town. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Richard's family and friends.

CLARKE, GeorgeMr Clarke was a long time Cobblers supporter from Deanshanger. Sadly Mr Clarke passed away on 18 December 2002. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

CLARKE, JohnNorthampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the death of former player John Clarke who passed away after a heart attack on New Year's Day 2011. Northampton born John won youth International honours for England in the early 1960s. Dave Bowen signed him on in the summer of 1965 beating Leeds to his signature. Sadly it was at a time the club were descending down the divisions but John, always known as Nobby, won himself a place in the Cobblers defence. He played in the side that lost 8-2 to Manchester United in 1970 and his claim to fame was that he laid on one of the Cobblers goals! John made 262 league and cup appearances for the club and his only goal came in his penultimate season, when he scored against Barnsley. Injury caused him to quit the game in 1974 and he was awarded a testimonial v Leicester City. After leaving the County Ground John took over as manager of British Timken's football team. He was also a keen and talented cricketer a once turned out for the Northamptonshire second XI. John was a season ticket holder at Sixfields and loved nothing more than meeting ex team mates who turned up at the ground as guests. We send our thoughts to John's friends and family. May he rest in peace.

CLAYTON, DaveDave Clayton, who passed away in late 2018, was a regular supporter back in days of the County Ground. In more recent years he was based in the Netherlands but he did manage to visit Sixfields on a few occasions over the years, and he always kept in touch with fixtures/scores and news on a weekly basis. Dave would often receive matchday programmes, which he always enjoyed to read and his coffin was adorned with a Cobblers scarf. We send our deepest sympathies to Dave's family and friends.

CLEAVER, AnneAnne, who sadly passed away in September 2017, had been a Cobblers supporter for over 50 years and watched her first game when her Dad took her to Old Trafford to see Northampton Town play Manchester United in the old First Division. She became involved with local football when she became secretary of Earls Barton FC in 1987 when her two sons Matthew and Andrew started in youth football. She continued in her role for nearly 30 years where she became a popular and well known figure until ill health caused her to stop. Anne has enjoyed and suffered many games home and away with the team either travelling by car or with the Earls Barton Cobblers. She saw the Cobblers at Wembley three times, the Bristol Rovers play off semi final, that night at Anfield in 2010, Marc Richards four goals at Macclesfield and promotion at Torquay. Being a Cobblers fan and local football lover was her life.She leaves a husband Geoff, two sons Matthew and Andrew, daughters in law Emily and Helen and her six granddaughters Harriet, Culley, Lucie, Darci, Grace and Olivia. She was so proud that all of her grandchildren became Cobblers season ticket holders.

CLIFFE, JohnNorthampton Town Football Club were deeply saddened to learn of the death of John Cliffe who was 56 years old. John died suddenly on Friday 5th January 2007. Northampton Town Football Club played a big part in the life of John and his family and through supporting the Cobblers they have made many lovely friends. John leaves behind his wife Sue, son Tom and daughter and son-in-law Joanna & Gareth.

COBB, TerryTerry Cobb was an avid Cobblers fan who supported the club for over 30 years. He was at Wembley with his son Jonathan when they watched John Frain score the free kick against Swansea City in 1997 and they were back there a year later to watch the Grimsby play off final. They were there on famous nights like the Manchester United game at Sixfields, he attended the win at Anfield and the play off semi final against Bristol Rovers in 1998. He regularly travelled away, overcoming ill health and despite suffering with depression, diabetes, and other problems, he always insisted on being at the match. He would always leave the house and want to be in the stadium as it opened. He was a great community man, in his younger years running Kingsthorpe Youth Club alongside the late Rev Harry Waite, and then other youth clubs thereafter. His local pub was the Cock Hotel in Kingsthorpe, where he had many friends and memories. Terry was a kind man who would do anything for anybody, he was loyal to the team as a supporter, as a Dad and as a Grandfather to four. Terry sadly died on Tuesday, 29th November 2016 of a double heart attack at the age of 63. He will be missed by his many friends at Sixfields and all of us at Northampton Town Football Club.

COLE, MitchellNorthampton Town Football Club were deeply saddened by the news that Mitchell Cole has passed away at the age of just 27 after suffering a heart attack in December 2012. Winger Cole had a loan spell at Sixfields under John Gorman in 2006, making 8 appearances and scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win at Millwall. Cole's career ended prematurely in February 2011 when he was forced into early retirement due to a serious heart condition. The midfielder also played for Grays Athletic, Southend, Stevenage and Oxford United. We would like to pass on our condolences to Mitchell's friends and family at this very sad time.

COLES, JohnWe were sorry to learn of the passing of Mr John Coles on August 1st 2013. Mr Coles was born on 23rd April 1932 in Raunds and was a Cobblers supporter for 70 years, travelling by coach with his father in the early days. He moved to Kettering in the mid 1950s and for many years enjoyed attending home and away matches. In later years he was unable to travel due to ill health, but enjoyed listening to games on the radio and reading the match reports in the newspaper. He passed away peacefully in Northampton General Hospital.

COLLINS, AlbertIt is with great sadness that Northampton Town Football Club learnt of the death of Mr Albert Collins. Mr Collins passed away on Friday January 2 2004. He had been a West Stand season ticket holder for the last 8 years. Everyone at the club would like to send our sincere condolences to all touched by this sad loss.

COLLINS, BenNorthampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the passing of former player Ben Collins in March 2010. Ben gave Northampton Town thirteen seasons service and made 222 League and cup appearances during that time, having followed his brother Victor into the Cobblers team. Ben became a solid defender playing at either centre half or full back and for a spell captained the Cobblers team. In 1953 he was granted a testimonial. He asked Stanley Matthews to play, which he agreed to for a £100 fee. Ben agreed knowing that an appearance from Matthews would add to the attendance. When the game came around the England winger was injured but agreed to run the line. Ben agreed and thus Stanley Matthews became the most high profile linesman ever to appear at the County Ground. Ben played at full back against Arsenal in the Cobblers F.A. Cup victory of 1958, and also appeared in the fourth round tie v Liverpool. Whilst travelling to an away match with player manager Dave Bowen, the two of them got involved in a conversation about the lack of sports shops in the town and decided to set one up on their own. Bowen and Collins started life in 1960 in Gold Street when Ben retired from playing and later Ben bought Dave Bowen's shares to run the shop on his own which he did for over 40 years. As well as being the first and largest sports shop in the town it also became an institution, something of a meeting place for old colleagues. Ben was also a fine cricketer playing at a high level locally and being involved in tours abroad. He was just a week short of his 82nd birthday when he sadly passed away. We would like to pass on our condolences to all of Ben's friends and family.

COLLINS, RossWe were all deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Ross on 1st August 2018. He was a passionate Cobblers Supporter and Northampton Town FC Community Trust Multi Disability Player. Ross was one of the most down to earth people anyone could ever meet and it is so sad to have lost him at the age of 21, we only wish he could have had more time. May he rest in peace; he will be missed by many.

CONROY, MichaelNorthampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the death of former Director Mr Michael Conroy. Mr Conroy was a Director at the club from 1985 to 1988. He sadly passed away on April 25th 2006. The club would like to send our sincerest condolences to Mr Conroy's friends and family.

COOKE, MarkMark sadly passed away suddenly on February 14th aged just 49, leaving his family and friends devastated. A lifelong fan, he was a regular on the Hotel End and was one of the 942 at the Chester match in 1985! He continued to religiously follow Northampton Town's fortunes after moving to Ireland, where he would always be seen proudly wearing the Cobblers shirt.

CURRIER, KeithWe were all saddened to learn of the passing of Cobblers fan Keith Currier in February 2012. Keith had moved to Blackpool in recent years and sadly passed away after a battle with cancer. We would like to send our deepest sympathy to Keith's friends and family.

DIXON, ArthurNorthampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the passing of former player Arthur Dixon. Arthur was born in Lancashire but spent most of his youth in Scotland after his father, also a professional footballer, played for St. Mirren, Rangers and Cowdenbeath. During World War Two Arthur played for Queens Park where he scored 86 league and cup goals in four seasons, the powers that be were so impressed they included him in a Scottish representative side until it was discovered where he was born! After spells with Clyde and Hearts he had his first taste of league football with Northampton Town, making his debut in an F.A. Cup match v Walthamstow Avenue just a week after his 28th birthday. He had an amazing ability in his heading technique and this earned him the name 'rubberneck' while at the County Ground. In 88 league and cup games for the Cobblers he scored 26 goals including two against Derby at the Baseball Ground in a fifth round F.A.Cup tie. The Cobblers lost 4-2 but a crowd record was set at the Baseball Ground (38,063) that remained until the club returned to Division One in the 1970's. By 1951 Arthur could not get into the Cobblers side and asked for a move. He joined Leicester City who were a division above the Cobblers but in nearly two seasons the forward made just 11 appearances and failed to score. At 32 he stepped into non-league football with Kettering Town, playing under Tommy Lawton. Sadly he suffered a broken leg but when Lawton moved on to Notts County Arthur assisted in the running of the club until his retirement when he returned to Scotland and settled in Glasgow.

DIXON, JohnJohn Dixon was a dedicated Cobblers fan for all of his life who sadly passed away in May 2008. He started off attending Northampton Town matches at the County Ground, where he stood on wooden boards on the Cricket side. He was also there to see the Cobblers meteoric rise to Division One in 1965, and equally remained a loyal fan as the team subsequently tumbled down the leagues! When Sixfields was built, he always had a ticket in the West Stand and for many years was a full season ticket holder. In later years, he took along his two grandsons Jake and Sam and his nephew Alexander who all enjoy football. One of the highlights of his life was attending the 3rd Division Play Off final at Wembley where the Cobblers beat Swansea City 1-0. Even when John was gravely ill at Cynthia Spencer Hospice, he summoned the energy to listen avidly to the match commentaries on the local radio, and always had a ready piece of advice for the manager! When so many football fans gravitate towards the most famous and elite clubs of the land, it is a tribute to his memory that John always remained loyal to his home town team. All at Northampton Town would like to express our sympathies to John's friends and family.

DUNKLEY, JohnJohn sadly passed away aged 82 in March 2011. John was a lifelong Cobblers supporter. His first match, when he was a small boy was to a reserve game at the county Ground. He attended all the memorable games since, including Arsenal, Manchester United and George Best and the 2 visits to Wembley. Unfortunately his illness, which prevented him renewing his Sixfields season ticket for this season, also meant that he missed the Liverpool game, although he asked for full details afterwards. John will be missed by all that knew him and the club have lost one of our most dedicated supporters.

EL-BAYATI, AbdulWe were all deeply sorry to learn of the passing of Abdul El-Bayati on February 1st 2018. Abdul was a long time supporter of the club, from holding the collection buckets and organising fundraising sponsored walks back in the County Ground days, to helping supply the players with teas and coffees for many years after the move to Sixfields. Abdul will be sadly missed by us all at the club and we send our deepest condolences to Sheila, Mustafa and to his many friends who used to enjoy Abdul’s company here at Sixfields.

ELLSON, EricIt with deep regret that the family of ERIC ELLSON announce the passing of Eric on Thursday March 15 2007, aged 81 years. Eric was a lifelong supporter of Northampton Town Football Club. Indeed, when he first started taking his two sons, Michael and Graham, to the County Ground they were so small he had to tie them to the pylon to ensure they did not get lost. When the Cobblers moved to Sixfields, Eric and his sons became season ticket holders and proudly took their place in the West Stand. One of Eric's proudest moments was meeting some of the players in the bar at Sixfields. At the time his Grandson, Richard, was at the Northampton Town Centre of Excellence. They both met and spoke with Ray Warburton, a memory that Eric treasured. The 2 Wembley visits were attended by all the family, an event Eric often spoke about with great joy. When Eric became too infirm to walk up the steps of the West Stand he moved, with his sons, as a season ticket holder to the Alwyn Hargrave Stand. Eric continued to attend all home games until a few weeks before his passing. His family - sons Michael and Graham and Grandchildren Richard and Charlotte - carry on the family tradition of supporting the club. Eric's wife Eileen believes he "lived" for the club and, next to his family, it was his second love. Eric will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him, but they have lots of happy memories associated with Eric's love of the club, which they know will live on.

ETHERIDGE, BrianNorthampton Town Football Club are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Brian Etheridge. Brian was born in Northampton on the 4th March 1944. He won England youth caps alongside fellow Cobblers Tommy Robson, Jim Hall and Graham Carr. He made his debut as an 18 year old v Notts County in a Division Three game and played for the club during the rise to the First Division. In February 1966 he moved to Brentford, after 22 games for the Cobblers, and gave the London side 18 months service. On his home debut he helped his new side beat Oxford United 5-1 after going a goal down. Brian joined Belgium side Bruges and played for them in the European Cup, probably the first ex Cobbler to have played in that competition. He spent several seasons in Belgium before returning home and winding down his playing career with Corby and Wellingborough Town. Brian was a partner in a firm that produced packaging in Wales.

EVANS, BenBen passed away in September 2001 after a brave fight against Non-Hodgkinsons Lymphoma. He worked part time at Sixfields Stadium and as a mark of respect to him the Cobblers staged the Ben Evans Memorial Challenge at Sixfields at the end of the 2001/2002 season to raise money for Cancer Research.

FIELD, GavinEveryone at Northampton Town Football Club was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mr Gavin Field in July 2016. A lifelong supporter of the club and long time volunteer helper, Gavin, who passed away peacefully at home, will be sadly missed by all of his friends at the club. We send our deepest condolences to Gavin's family.

FLETCHER, SimonEveryone at the club was sad to hear of the death in September 2010 of Simon Fletcher, who lost an eleven month fight against a brain tumour at the age of 37. Although Simon lived in Kendal in Cumbria, he was born and raised in Northampton and never missed an opportunity to cheer on the Cobblers when he returned to Northampton or when they were playing in the North West. Simon was a primary school teacher, who ran many school football teams, all of which were coached with the same passion Simon showed for the Cobblers and all the boys who played for these teams soon learnt about Mr Fletcher's love of Northampton Town and were not allowed to forget it! Simon is sadly missed by his friends and family, particularly his wife Natalie and daughter Isabella.

FOWLER, JoyceNorthampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the death of Joyce Fowler, wife of Cobblers Legend Tommy Fowler in May 2008. Joyce was a long time supporter of the club and we send our condolences to the Fowler family.

FOWLER, TommyNorthampton Town Football Club were deeply saddened to learn of the death of the club's leading appearance maker, Tommy Fowler, in May 2009. Tommy may never have played for Northampton Town had he not been wounded on active service in France. Tommy was on the books of Everton, and had played alongside Joe Mercer and Tommy Lawton in some war time games and had scored on his debut - a 9-0 win over Bury. While serving in France he was shot by a sniper and while recovering in Bedford, Tommy met Jack Jennings who invited him to join Northampton. He stayed 16 years and settled in the town, making 585 appearances for the club. Tommy was the club's top appearance maker before finishing his career with 2 seasons at Aldershot.

GALLAGHER, BernardNorthampton Town were saddened to learn of the passing of former defender Bernard Gallagher. Bernard joined Aston Villa in April 1985 as an 18 year old. The polished full back spent five and a half years at Villa Park helping them back into Division One in 1988. Sadly injury blighted his career reducing his appearances to just 72 league and cup games. After a loan spell at Blackburn and a trial at Doncaster he moved to the South Coast signing for Brighton. Again injury restricted his first team games and after two years and 48 games he was released. John Barnwell signed him for the Cobblers on non-contract terms in January 1994 but after just five appearances he realised that the rigour of League football just aggravated an injury and he moved into non-League football with Bromsgrove before a spell in Hong Kong. Bernard died on 28th August 2011, aged just 44.

GALE, ColinNorthampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the passing of former player Colin Gale in October 2008. Colin, a giant centre half, starting his career by spending nearly six seasons with first division Cardiff City, making only a handful of first team appearances during that time. His last game was a 9-1 defeat against Wolves. He joined the Cobblers in March 1956 as a 'makeweight' in a move also involving Roley Williams but a fee could not be agreed. Williams did not stay long but Colin played five seasons at the County Ground, making well over 200 league and cup appearances for the club. He had a unique style about his play where he would always look to play the ball to the wing to feed either Tommy Fowler or Jack English. Colin played in the victorious Northampton Town FA Cup side of 1958 that knocked Arsenal out of the competition. He was also a member of the first Cobblers side to win promotion in 1961 when they were promoted from Division Four to Three. It was at this stage of his career that he felt he needed more job security for his family and moved to Wisbech and took a job. He later moved to Wales where he ran a hotel.Colin sadly passed away on the 27th October 2008, aged 76.

GARDNER, John BEMNorthampton Town Football Club were deeply saddened to learn of the death of John Gardner BEM, who passed away in June 2009. A former Mayor of Northampton, John served on both the Borough and County Council and he was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his Meritorious Service. John was a great supporter of Northampton Town Football Club and was a season ticket holder at Sixfields, following the team both home and away. He was also a great friend to many Cobblers supporters having worked for the club as a commissionaire at Sixfields.

GORDON, TerryTerry Gordon sadly passed away at the age of 85 in March 2018. Terry was a lifelong Cobblers fan who was buried in his Northampton Town scarf.

GRIFFIN, FrankManchester born Frank spent four seasons at Bolton between 1944 and 1948 but failed to make a first team appearance. The speedy right-winger decided to display his talents in non-league football joining Eccles Town and later Shrewsbury Town who at the time played in the Midland League. At Gay Meadow he became a part time professional and helped his new club into the Football League in 1950. After just one season of Division Three South football, West Bromwich Albion offered £9,500 for his services which was a record at the time for Shrewsbury. For the next seven seasons, Frank was a regular on the right wing at the Hawthorns. The climax of his Baggies career came in 1954 when he not only appeared for them in the F.A. Cup final v Preston North End but also scored the winning goal. In 1958 he suffered a broken leg in a match v Sheffield United and never really recovered his form. When Dave Bowen took over as Northampton Town's manager in 1959, Frank was one of his first signings. When he left West Brom he had played 274 games and netted 51 goals. Competition was always fierce in Bowen's sides and Frank only made a handful of appearances, losing out to first Jack English and then Bela Olha. He returned to Birmingham and non-league football playing for Wellington Town (later Telford), Sankey's and wound down his career as player manager of Worthen United. Frank passed away in June 2007.

HAILS, BillyWe were deeply saddened to learn of the passing in March 2017 of former player Billy Hails. Right winger Billy started his career with Lincoln City, firstly as an amateur and then as a part time professional while working as an electrician. After two seasons he joined Peterborough United, then a Midland League club, spending 8 seasons at London Road playing over 300 games, helping the Posh into the Football League. He moved to the Cobblers where he added a Division 3 title winners medal before short spells with Luton Town, Nuneaton and Rugby Town, the latter as player manager. Billy returned to London Road and was coach at Peterborough for several seasons, even having a short spell as caretaker manager. In 1979 Billy joined Watford as physiotherapist, a position he held for eight years.

HARVEY, BryanNorthampton Town were deeply saddened to learn of the death of former goalkeeper Bryan Harvey in April 2006. Bryan was born in Stepney London on 26th. August 1938. His early football was played in the Southern League with March Town and Wisbech before Newcastle United signed him on in 1958, on the strength of his part in Wisbech Town's cup run.. (They reached round two eliminating Colchester on the way). Bryan was thrown into the 'Magpies' first team as a raw 19 year old and went on to give them three seasons before they were relegated to the Second Division. It was back into non-league with Cambridge City before Blackpool signed him as cover for their England international keeper Tony Waiters. When Dave Bowen needed a keeper urgently for Northampton he quickly signed Bryan for £4,000. He stood over 6 feet tall and was commanding in the air. During the 1964-65 season, the season Northampton won promotion to the First Division, Bryan saved six penalty kicks including two against Terry Paine of Southampton.Paine, who had scored twice from the spot against Bryan the previous season, not only lost his penalty-taking job for the Saints but also for England!"A good memory and a lot of luck," was how Bryan described his ability at spot kicks. A troubled time in Division One, two broken fingers the following season in Division Two and his release at the end of the 1967-68 were the headlines of the following seasons. He then spent a couple of seasons at Kettering but mid-way through that spell he was offered a job in league management but the Poppies would not release him. For many years Bryan was manager of a chemical company and lived in the St. James area of Northampton.

HAWKINGS, BarryNorthampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the death of former player Barry Hawkings who passed away on May 9th 2010 after a short illness. An out and out forward, Barry started his League career with Coventry City who were then a Third Division South club, fitting in a loan spell at Rugby Town. The next stop was at Second Division Lincoln City but first team appearances were limited and he played just 15 times (scoring 6 goals) in two seasons. A move to Northampton saw him net 27 goals in 69 League and Cup games including a goal against Arsenal when the Gunners were knocked out of the FA Cup by the Cobblers in 1958. After a two-season stay, Barry drifted into non-League football with Gravesend, Wisbech, Briely Hill, and Abergavenny Thursday whilst working in the family painting and decorating business. Barry was as talented off the field as he was on it. He converted a barn into a beautiful house that he lived in Herefordshire; he was also an accomplished pianist and painted in oils, building his own studio in his grounds. On top of this he was also a top-notch golfer and loved to tell the story of when he painted his clubhouse with an image of the captain playing a winning shot. The club were so impressed that they hung it in a prime position in the main hall. They insisted on paying Barry and asked him how much money he required. "Pay me what you can afford," he replied. His reward was two free games of golf! We would like to pass on our condolences to Barry's friends and family.

HAWKINS, LesSadly Les passed away on 4th August 2012. A retired painter & decorator from Brixworth, Les had supported the Cobblers passionately for 67 years. He was a season ticket holder and attended all of the home games and up to four years ago all the away matches as well. He collected autographs from players and managers from the fifties to the present day. He suffered from ill health but his own mood was always dictated by the Cobblers progress. In 2011 he completed visiting all 92 league clubs with the Cobblers visit to Morecambe. His favourite players were Frank large and Ian Sampson, and Les loved meeting his football pals at the ground or on the away buses, talking football and analysing the game. He will be greatly missed by wife Audrey, son Nigel and his Cobblers family of friends. We would like to send our sincerest condolences to the friends and family of Les.

HAYCOX, NickAll of us at the club were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of lifelong Cobblers fan Nick Haycox. Nick was born on 1st May 1949 and passed away on 2nd September 2017. Nick was a founder member and on the committee of the Supporters Trust, he represented the Cobblers on a TV quiz, he previously wrote for the matchday programme and helped produced notes for BBC Radio Northampton. Nick will be sadly missed by us all at Sixfields.

HILLYARD, GaryIt is with deep regret that Northampton Town must report the sad news of the death of supporter Gary Hillyard. Gary was a lifelong Northampton Town fan, whose life was sadly cut short at the age of 40 on Monday 20th February. Despite suffering a serious spinal injury in his twenties and subsequently being confined to a wheelchair he never complained about his condition. He was an inspiration to all that met him. Gary was also part of the consultation group for the design of the disabled areas for the Sixfields stadium. Gary loved life and was always considerate of others, he was a dedicated husband to his wife Maxine. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

HOLDEN, SteveSteve died suddenly at the age of 61 in March 2018 and was a lifetime Cobblers supporter. He worked tirelessly in his free time doing lots of charitable work for a score of worthy causes. He will be sorely missed by many people who knew him.

HOLMAN, FrankMr Holman helped out with the training of the Cobblers youth team in the late 1980's and sadly passed away during the 2001/2002 season.

JOHNSON, Robert 27/06/1954-05/09/2018 Born in Kingsthorpe to Jim and Olive, Robert was a huge Cobblers fan from a young age. He married Sue in 1976 and moved to Derby in 1983, whilst working for Lloyds Bank. Despite the distance, he attended many home and away games, and encouraged his three daughters to follow football too! He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and eventually became unable to travel to games, but continued to listen on the radio instead, and always asked family and carers for the result if he hadn't been able to listen in!He was 100% a Cobbler, and even had a tattoo to prove it! Remembered with love.

JONES, AllanLifelong Cobblers fan Allan Jones sadly passed away on Tuesday October 10th 2017. Our condolences are sent to Allan's family and friends.

JONES, TonyIt is with heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of Tony Jones on February 1st 2017, after a long battle with myeloma, aged 81 years. Tony had been a lifelong Cobblers fan, first attending in the 1940's with his cousin and playing truant from school!! Tony was a season ticket holder for many years, he had much involvement with the club through his work as a carpenter and recruited many family members as supporters too, including his daughter Sue and his grandchildren. Tony will be sadly missed by us all, UTC.

KEEN, MikeNorthampton Town were saddened to learn of the death of former manager Mike Keen in April 2009. Mike was a stylish wing half during his playing days with QPR, making nearly 450 appearances for Rangers over ten seasons. Mike played nearly 150 first team games for Luton before winding down his playing days with Watford. He stepped up to manager of the Hornets but when they fell into Division Four club and manager parted company. By February 1979 he joined the Cobblers as manager, but his stay lasted just over a season, leaving in March 1979 when he was told his contract would not be renewed. Next stop was Wycombe Wanderers whom he led to the Isthmian League title and the semi-final of the FA Trophy. Spells as manager of Marlow and Flackwell Heath was followed by a position as coach at West Ham's academy in Slough. Mike sadly passed away after a short illness.

KENDALL, DickSadly, Dick died at the end of March 2002 after having been a Cobblers fan since the age of 10, for some 76 years in total. Dick was Cobblers through and through, rarely missing a game and often saying it did not matter what Division the club were in, they were the only team for him.

KIERNAN, JoeIt is with great regret that Northampton Town Football Club learned of the passing of former player Joe Kiernan in August 2006. Joe was born in Coatbridge Scotland on 22nd October 1942. He started his playing career as an apprentice at Sunderland and did make two appearances for the first team netting twice in a League cup game v Oldham. He joined the Cobblers in 1963 for £2,000 he needing time to adapt but when he did he made the number 6 shirt his own. He was one of the leading players on the clubs books when they went into division one, a cultured wing half with the sweetest left foot in the game. Sports reporter Sam Leich suggested that he was the new Jim Baxter and it was muted that he was in line for a Scottish cap. Sadly as the Cobblers tumbled back down the divisions so did Joe's chances of international recognition. During the 1966-67 season he underwent TWO cartilage operations and his influence in midfield was sadly missed. Joe made 42 appearances in Division One the only player to be ever-present that season. He was released (some said prematurely) in 1972 and joined Kettering Town where he captained them under Ron Atkinson the Championship of The Southern League division one North. He later assisted Atherstone and Wellingborough before turning to coaching, firstly with Irthlingborough Diamonds and in 1986 he took over the running of the Cobblers youth team under Graham Carr. When Theo Foley was appointed manager in 1990 he made Joe his number two but sadly the club drifted into administration and Joe found himself returning to his trade as a painter and decorator. Joe stands at fifth in the list of Northampton's most league appearances with 308 games. However he will be remembered for his silky skills and ability to make the ball do what he wanted it to. All at Northampton Town would like to send our sincerest condolences to Joe's friends and family.

KING, AndyNorthampton Town Football Club were deeply saddened in May 2015 by the news that Andy King had passed away at the age of 58. King, who worked as assistant manager under Aidy Boothroyd at Sixfields between November 2011 and December 2013, enjoyed a distinguished playing career, most notably with Everton. King also played for QPR, West Brom, Wolves, Luton and Aldershot as well as having a spell abroad. After finishing his playing career he went onto manage a number of clubs including Swindon and Mansfield. Following Aidy Boothroyd’s departure Andy King was placed in caretaker charge at Sixfields from the 22 December 2013 until the end of January 2014. All the thoughts of everyone at Northampton Town are with Andy King’s friends and family.

KIRKUP, BrianWe were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Brian Kirkup who passed away on Sunday April 22nd 2018. Brian played for the club in the 1958/59 season and made 28 appearances for the Cobblers, scoring nine times. He will be sorely missed by his two sons Alan and Neil and their families.

KNIGHTS, HarveyMr Harvey Knights died suddenly on Friday December 12th 2008, just hours before the 4-4 draw against Scunthorpe. He would have been so proud of the Cobblers for coming back from 4-1 down that day. Harvey was a lifelong fan who followed the Cobblers through the good and the bad times. He will be sadly missed by all of his family and his friends. He was a true supporter to the end. We would like to send our thoughts to his friends and family at this sad time.

KURILA, JohnWe were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player John Kurila in March 2018. John, a half back, joined the Cobblers from Glasgow Celtic in August 1962, and in his first season helped the club to the Third Division title. After spending the summer in Canada with Hamilton Steelers and a short spell with Bristol City, John returned to Northampton Town and played in the First Division for them. He joined Southend in 1968 and won the Player of the Season award at Roots Hall, he then moved to Colchester adding a Watney Cup winner’s medal to his trophy cabinet. He wound down his career with Lincoln City, Dover and Atherstone Town. After football he returbed to his trade as a carpenter and set himself up in business as a handyman. We would like to send our deepest condolences to John's family and friends.

LANKESTER, EuanEuan was a huge Cobblers fan who sadly passed on February 3 2010, aged just 20. From birth Euan suffered from a serious and complicated congenital heart condition and he had three operations in his lifetime. Throughout his life he was severely handicapped by his condition and in the last 18 months of his life there had been a steady deterioration in his health. He was an avid Cobblers supporter and he attended all home games and as many away games as his illness would allow. Supporting the Cobblers became a vital part of his life as it was an interest that he could pursue despite his illness. Very sadly, he died from a heart attack at his home at Maidwell Hall aged just 20. He had suffered much in his short life but he was an inspiration to many because of the bravery and determination he always showed.

LARGE, Frank Mr Large passed away at his home in Ireland in August 2003 after a long battle against cancer. He was born in Leeds in 1940 and appeared for a number of clubs, including the Cobblers, QPR, Swindon, Leicester and Fulham. He scored 96 goals in 250 appearances for the Cobblers.

LAWRENCE, AlfredLifelong Cobblers fan Alfred Lawrence, Alf to his friends and family, died on Saturday 27th May 2017. Born in Northampton in 1928 Alf spent 12 years of his life in the Navy travelling to places including the Middle East and West Indies. Alf played football at every given opportunity with his Navy mates and locals of the country they were touring. Alf has passed on his love for football to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Friends and family will always remember all football conversations ending with 'Up the Cobblers'. Alf will be sadly missed by his family and all those who knew him.

LECK, DerekNorthampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the passing of former player Derek Leck in July 2011. Derek was born in Northbourne on the 8th February 1937. He played for Leyton boys club where he became a prolific scorer and was soon spotted by Millwall who signed him during by the mid 1950's. First team places were at a premium at The Den and he jumped at the chance of signing for the Cobblers even though he had to wait eighteen months before making his debut in which he scored (v Exeter). From then on he never looked back, finding the back of the net regularly. Manager Dave Bowen converted Derek, affectionately nicknamed 'Daisy', to a half back as the club rose from Divisions Four to One, Derek becoming one of the small band of players to play in all four divisions of the Football League for the same club. Whilst in the First Division Derek was asked to play as a defender which was not his position and he joined Brighton after 268 appearances and 49 goals for the club. For most of the three seasons Derek was at the Goldstone Ground his time was spent on the treatment table. In the end he quit the full time game and turned out for Hastings and then Crawley. Derek became a master baker down on the south coast until his retirement, and just last season he made his a visit to Sixfields as a guest of the club. He died on the 11th July 2011 and we send our sympathies to his friends and family.

LEEK, KenNorthampton Town were deeply saddened to learn of the death of former player Ken Leek in November 2007. Ken was born in Ynysybwl in July 1935 in a house next door to Welsh international Don Dearson who guested for the Cobblers during WW2. Ken did not play football until he was 14 having attended two rugby-playing schools. He joined Northampton Town as a seventeen year old and despite losing two years through national service he soon made the first team and played and scored in the club's epic F.A. cup win v Arsenal in 1958. By the end of the season he had joined Leicester City but made history by still having a testimonial at Northampton. He became a prolific scorer with Leicester and won the first of his thirteen Welsh caps (5 goals), but his Leicester career came to an end when he was dropped from the 1961 cup final having scored in every round. Ken joined Newcastle United but within five months he returned to the Midlands with Birmingham City and in three and a half season netted 60 goals including two in a two-legged league cup final v Aston Villa making him very popular in the blue half of Birmingham! Ken returned to Northampton in time to help the club in to Division One and scored the winning goal v West Ham, giving Northampton Town their first win. His stay at the County Ground was short, Bradford City needed a goalscorer and he obliged with 25 goals, helping the club from re election strugglers to finish the season just one point off promotion. He wound down his career as a manager in Welsh non-League football before returning to the area and taking a job with Fords in Daventry, for whom he worked until retirement. Everyone at Northampton Town Football Club extends their thoughts and sympathies to Ken's family and friends.

LEWIS, PaulThe club were saddened to learn of the passing of supporter Mr Paul Lewis in July 2016. Mr Lewis, who lived in Wellingborough was a huge Cobblers fan who was thrilled with the 2015/16 season's promotion. We send our deepest condolences to Paul's family and friends.

LIVESEY, CharlieCharlie was born in East London on 6th February 1938. He was a member of the West Ham youth team, and also played for Custom House in London. He had trials with Wolverhampton Wanderers but that came to nothing. Then he joined Southampton on trial and in his fourth game for Saints he scored four goals in a 6-1 thrashing of Hull. In all he scored 14 goals in 25 games.He joined Chelsea in a exchange deal for Cliff Huxford plus cash. Charlie was valued at £20,000. He could not adapt to Division One football although he did net 17 goals in 39 games. He then lost his place to Ron Tindall and agreed to a move to Gillingham for £5,500. At Gillingham, he became the top scorer in his two seasons netting 17 goals in 47 appearances but manager Freddie Cox did not like his style of play and sold him to Watford.In 18 months at Vicarage Road his value rose from £6,000 to £17,000 when they sold him to Northampton Town after 26 goals in 64 games.Charlie helped Northampton to Division One but there was no place for him in the Division One side so he moved again - this time to Brighton.He was not so prolific at Brighton but his skilful play made plenty of goals for his team mates.His powerful play and keen anticipation was noted and local press claimed he was being watched by the England manager, despite Brighton being in the third division. After four seasons he left for Crawley Town and had the pleasure of helping his new club beat his old team in the Sussex professional cup. He returned to London where he became a painter and decorator He sadly died at the beginning of March 2005 aged 67.

LODGE, Ken Life long Cobblers supporter through the good times and the bad. Passed away December 12th 2007. Sadly missed.

LOMAX, Brian‘A truly inspirational founding father’. This was the fitting tribute paid by Supporters Direct when Brian Lomax died in November 2015. Brian Lomax will be remembered by Cobblers fans as the driving force behind the formation of the Supporters Trust, the first such organisation in the country. At the time of its establishment, few could have predicted that it would become a model for a whole supporters’ movement on a nationwide basis.In the early 1990s, Northampton Town Football Club was in turmoil, and its very future was threatened. A small group of supporters got together to discuss what could be done, and a public meeting saw the foundation of the UK’s very first supporters trust in 1992. As its first Chairman, Brian created a vision, mobilised support and guided the fledgling organisation through a period that saw the club go into administration, change ownership, finish bottom of the league yet emerge intact, ready for a new dawn at Sixfields Stadium in 1994. As a representative of the Trust, Brian served on the board of directors of Northampton Town for several years. Brian believed that supporters had a moral right of ownership of their clubs, but that supporters could be empowered further by obtaining an equity stake and direct engagement. The model adopted by Cobblers fans was compelling and was quickly adopted by other groups of supporters, many of which had seem their own clubs encounter difficulties in the aftermath of the failure of ITV Digital. Today, there are over 170 supporters trusts in the UK, with in excess of 300,000 members. The supporters trust movement was brought together in 2000 by the formation of Supporters Direct as a representative body. Brian was the first Managing Director of Supporters Direct, a post he held until 2009.Brian Lomax left a unique legacy. Despite being a natural leader of the supporters trust movement and spending an increasing amount of time dealing with politicians and people in positions of authority in football, he preferred his place on the terraces that were once so common on lower league grounds, with friends and those who shared his deep passion for the Cobblers. He is fondly remembered and sadly missed.“It’s about emotion, about sharing and comradeship, about the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. These are very deeply rooted human needs and I believe that that is at the root of people’s love for football and loyalty for their clubs.” (Brian Lomax)

MARTIN, DonNorthampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the passing of former player Don Martin in November 2009. Don came through the ranks at the County Ground, winning England youth international caps on the way. He was in and of the team during the Division Three Championship season of 1963, not playing enough games to win a medal. He became a prolific scorer in the middle part of that decade and when the Cobblers were promoted to Division One he was one of the three joint top scorers. Before the Division One campaign kicked off Don broke his jaw in training and spent several months on the sidelines. It was suggested in the media that the injury may have cost him an England under 23 cap. Despite the Cobblers falling back down the divisions, Don continued to score goals and once the club fell into Division Three Blackburn stepped in with a £36,000 bid - a new club record for Northampton. Don spent eight years at Blackburn suffering relegation to the Third Division and winning promotion back to the second tier in that time. When Bill Dodgin took over at Northampton he brought Don back to the club. He was a more complete player by now, playing in midfield and defence as well as attack. He left the club in 1978 to play for Hitchin and later managed Corby Town as well as setting up a painting and decorating business.

McCOY, TimFormer Cobblers Captain Tim McCoy passed away on Thursday January 27 2005 after a long illness. Mr McCoy played for the Cobblers between 1948 and 1950 and can be seen on the front cover of the Images of Sport book, 'Northampton Town Football Club' by David Walden and John Watson. Northampton Town Football Club would like to pass on their sincere condolences to the friends and family of Mr McCoy following their sad loss.

MILLER, AdeAde Miller 4/1/63 - 27/2/15 a true Cobbler until the end, A devoted dad, granddad and brother. We will miss you, gone, but never ever forgotten xxxx

MILLS, RolyNorthampton Town were saddened to learn of the passing of former player Roly Mills on 8 February 2010. Roly was discovered playing local football by the wife of Jack Jennings. She recommended that Jack take a look and him and he became a Cobbler. His talent as a winger soon attracted attention and he won England International caps at Youth level. After only a handful of league games Roly was selected to play for the Division Three South representative side in a game against Division Three North. Making his debut in September 1954, Roly soon made himself a fixture in the first team and was a member of the Cobblers side that eliminated Arsenal from the FA Cup in 1958. He was also a member of the team that won the Third Division Championship in 1963. Tenacious, strong and a non-stop player, Roly won over the Northampton Town fans and was a large part of the team that rose from Division Four to Division One although he retired from playing to be reserve team coach in 1964. In 1966 the second team reached 5th position in the Football Combination, the highest position they had achieved in their history and this in only Roly's second season as coach. Over the following years he took several posts with the club including youth team coach and working in the promotions office. He was awarded a well-earned testimonial match v Leicester City in 1992. Roly made 324 appearances for the Cobblers and stands tenth in the club's all time appearance list. He also netted 34 goals as well as wearing virtually every outfield shirt number. He spent near on forty years with the club in different capacities and earned his title of 'Mr. Northampton Town.'

MORIARTY, DianeEveryone at Northampton Town Football Club was saddened to learn of the passing of Diane Moriarty in September 2009. Diane and her family have always been big supporters of the club and we send our thoughts and condolencesto her friends and family.

MORRITT, GordonNorthampton Town were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former goalkeeper Gordon Morritt in November 2018.Gordon was always a keen Rotherham supporter and as a youngster sold crisps and sweets at their matches. He was keen to sign for the Millers but caught pneumonia and it took two seasons to clear.He played centre forward for a works team and during an injury crisis had to go in goal - this meant he found his true position and he spent five seasons with Rotherham until a change of management.His next move was to Durban in South Africa where he got to know Jack Patterson the former professional boxer. Gordon took to boxing and after three bouts as an amateur (all of which he won) he was about to sign professional when Patterson passed away and Gordon returned to England.He spent time with Doncaster Rovers, the Cobblers (playing 42 times for the club in 1968/69), York City Rochdale and Darlington.After football he worked in security.

MURPHY, EddieEddie was born in Hamilton in May 1925 and started his football career with Hibernians. After national service, he moved on to Morton and helped them to the final of the Scottish cup in 1948, losing out to Rangers. Bob Dennison brought him to Northampton and he fitted in well at the County Ground - his silky skills at inside left were complemented by the wing play of Bert Mitchell. After an FA Cup victory over Second Division Barnsley, the Yorkshire club made an £8,000 offer, money secured from the sale of Danny Blanchflower to Aston Villa. Eighteen months later Eddie moved to Exeter where he settled down and married. He did have a short spell back in Scotland when his league career ended but returned to the South West of England turning out for Bridgewater and Trowbridge. He died in Bridgwater on 28th January 2009, aged 84.

NEWMAN, DavidDavid was a huge Cobblers fan, who sadly passed away suddenly at home on Sunday February 23 2003. He was well known around Sixfields, and worked locally at Church's in Northampton.

NICHOLSON, PeterPeter sadly passed away on 30th December 2002 at the age of 52, having battled against prostate cancer. Pete was an enthusiastic supporter of the Cobblers and had followed the team all his life. He will be sadly missed by his fellow season ticket holders, friends and of course his family.

NORRIS, OllieNorthampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the passing of Ollie Norris in June 2011. Ollie could have well worn the crown of 'Clown prince of soccer' had Len Shackleton not beaten him to it. His antics on and of the pitch reflected the fun loving person that he was. He spent nearly seven years at Middlesbrough joining them from Irish football as a seventeen year old. With just thirteen first team games to his credit he decided to move on and joined Worcester City at the tail end of the 1954-55 campaign .He played just eight games before Bournemouth paid £200 to bring him back into league football. He was well received on the south coast, scoring 40 goals in 140 appearances in just over three seasons. In September 1958 Ollie joined the Cobblers together with Kevin Baron. Ollie never really settled in the Town and at the end of the season joined Ashford Town. He made a return to League football in January 1961 with Rochdale but only made two appearances and scored one goal before taking the player manager's job at Gloucester. In the mid 1960's Ollie emigrated to Australia and played for a host of clubs while working as a P.E. instructor in schools. He retired in the late 1980's and ran a shop that supplied party goods. Ollie's F.A. Cup exploits in England were up and down to say the least. In 1957 he helped Bournemouth to round six of the competition by scoring five goals in six games. The following season he was one of two Bournemouth players who scored an own goal for the Cobblers thus going in the clubs records books as a player who scored for them before joining them. In his one and only F.A. cup game for Northampton he was in the side that were knocked out by Tooting and Mitcham.

O'NEILL, MickNorthampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the passing of former employee Mick O'Neill in May 2010. Mick was a long serving employee at Sixfields who only left the club in February 2010 and he passed away after a short illness. Everyone at Northampton Town Football Club would like to send their condolences to Mick's friends and family.

O'RIORDAN, SteveA lifelong Cobblers supporter sadly passed away on March 25th 2009. Steve O'Riordan was a regular at Sixfields and had followed the club since the Dave Bowen era at the County Ground. Amongst the early matches he attended was the famous Manchester United FA Cup tie where George Best scored six goals. 'Stevie O's' smiling face will be sadly missed by supporters, staff and his many friends and he will never be forgotten by those who knew him.

OVENDALE, MarkNorthampton Town Football Club were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former goalkeeper Mark Ovendale in August 2011. Ovendale began his career with local village team Leverington before joining Wisbech Town. He moved to the Cobblers, playing six league games in the 1994-95 season and was the first man to save a penalty at Sixfields. He joined Welsh champions Barry Town in August 1997 and after a successful first season, joined Bournemouth for a fee of £30,000 in July 1998. He remained a regular over the next two seasons before a £425,000 move took him to Luton Town in August 2000. He was released in 2003. In late July that year he resigned for Barry Town, but just two weeks later joined York City. York were relegated to the Conference at the end of the season and Ovendale was one of a number of players released. He signed for non-league Tiverton Town in the summer of 2004, where he remained until May 2006 when he joined Welsh side Carmarthen Town. He played for Carmarthen in the Inter-Toto Cup against Finnish side Tampere United, but left in July 2006 to join Newport County. He was forced to retire from playing in June 2007 due to a hip injury. Mark joined Wimborne Town in a coaching role in August 2008 but mad e a few appearances in goal for the club during the 2008-09 season. It was announced in August 2011 that Mark was suffering from terminal cancer. We would like to send our sincerest condolences to Mark's friends and family.

PATTERSON, RonNorthampton Town Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Ron Patterson in November 2018.Ron joined Crystal Palace as a youth team player in 1948 but could not settle in London so returned to the North East with Middlesbrough. In three seasons he made just one appearance and was recommended to the Cobblers by his father who was the Cobblers scout in the North East.He soon became a first team regular at the County Ground and was captain of the Northampton Town side who knocked Arsenal out of the FA Cup in 1958. He became a qualified FA Coach and assisted Jack Jennings with training sessions. He also coached at local schools in Northampton. After 317 games for the Cobblers he moved on to Rothwell Town as player manager before taking over as manager at Hendon while working as a manager of an ICI subsidiary company.

PAYNE, JoeFormer Cobbler Joe Payne died aged 80, on Wednesday 12th September 2001. Mr Payne was born in South Wales and started his career with Swansea City at the age of 15 and had spells with Newport County and Scunthorpe United before arriving at Northampton in 1952. Joe made his name as a coach and a physio, helping the Cobblers in their historic rise from Divisions Four to Division One in the 1960's. After leaving Northampton, Mr Payne became Manager of Rushden Town for six years.

PLATT, TonyTony Platt, who died in March 2010, was born in 1918, and moved to Northampton in 1965, living first in Brackley, then Spratton, and then to Northampton itself, initially in Rushmere Avenue, and latterly in Parklands. He quickly became an avid supporter of the Cobblers, and proudly kept a number of letters sent from the club, thanking him for his help. This included one from the great Dave Bowen with an appreciation of Tony's match-ball sponsorship. He made a huge number of friends, many of them Cobblers' supporters, and they all view his passing with great sadness but with many happy memories. One description of him that crops up regularly is of him being a "Gentleman". His manners were impeccable, and if he needed to criticise he did it gently and constructively. He died as president of NTFC Supporters' Ltd (the Trust) and was deeply proud of its achievements. One of the last letters he wrote was to Helen Hickman, their new secretary, to warmly welcome her to the post. Despite worsening health, Tony made sure he was able to lay a wreath at the Remembrance ceremony at the Walter Tull memorial again in November 2009. He was always grateful for help and friendship, especially as he became more infirm. He was a good friend to have. For instance, two ladies, one from Trust Travel, and one from Sixfields Travel, would always receive flowers from him at Christmas. This time he was not well enough to deliver them, so he sent vouchers instead through the post, and each will now remember him by buying a special plant for their gardens. Not only did he love the Cobblers, he enjoyed travel and knew politics inside out. His memoirs of pre-war working on a boat plying the Mediterranean, and then of his years in the forces during world war two bring out a striking picture of a man with immense humanity and a determined work ethic. He observed others keenly, and was always ready to forgive. He loved his family, and although his wife Evelyn died in the 1980's, he is survived by daughters Rosemary and Jennifer, son Ian, and grandson Gavin.

POWELL, LesNorthampton Town Football Club were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of lifelong supporter Mr Les Powell in October 2007. Mr Powell died suddenly at his home. He had only been absent for a handful of games over many years and he will be sadly missed. Everyone at Sixfields would like to send their sincerest condolences to Tony, Simon, Matthew and Beverley and everyone who knew Mr Powell. He will not be forgotten.

RABBITT, AlanLifelong Northampton Town supporter Alan Rabbitt sadly passed away on Monday January 9th, aged 77. Season ticket holder Alan regularly attended away games and rarely missed a home game in over 50 years. His fondest memories of the club were at the County Ground where his ashes were scattered but most recently Alan was at Anfield to see the town's famous Carling cup win over Liverpool in September 2010.

RAMSCAR, FreddieNorthampton Town Football Club was saddened to learn of the death of former player Freddie Ramscar in May 2003. Freddie was born in Salford in January 1919 and played for the Cobblers between 1951 and 1954, making 146 appearances, scoring 59 goals.

RANDALL, PeterMr Peter Randall passed away after a battle against cancer in July 2004. Peter was a former director and long time supporter of the club and he will be sadly missed. We send our sincere condolences to his family.

RAWLINGS, JohnWest Stand season ticket holder Mr John Rawlings was bitten by the Cobblers bug in the late 1940s. In a little over 50 years, John was privileged to see many Cobblers greats, his personal favourites being Frank Large, Tommy Fowler, Freddie Ramscar, Trevor Morley and Ian Sampson. He also clocked up visits to nearly 60 grounds, being present at nearly all of the club's landmark fixtures in this period until his admission to hospital forced him to miss the recent FA Cup replay win at Rotherham, and the subsequent Manchester United game. John sadly died in Northampton General Hospital on January 29 2004, leaving a wife, two children, and three grandchildren. He was cremated as per his wishes, in his Northampton Town Football Club tie and fleece. He was a true Cobbler. May he rest in peace.

REED, SamThe club were saddened to learn of the passing of supporter Sam Reed in July 2016. His granddaughter Emma described him as "A true gentleman and an avid Cobblers supporter who would do anything and everything for anyone. He was the best grandad/great grandad in the whole world and we we will never forget him - he was loved by all." Our condolences go to Sam's friends and family.

RILEY, RichardWe would like to pass our condolences on to the family of Mr Richard 'Dick' Riley, who played for the club in the 1947/8 season and sadly passed away on Christmas Day 2010 at St John's Home in Wellingborough Road, Northampton. After he retired from professional football, Mr Riley helped to develop players such as Barry Lines and Derrick Christie, who both played for Northampton Town.

ROBERTS, John11th September 1946 - 4th January 2016John was working as a fireman on a steam train and playing for Abrcynon when Swansea signed him in July 1964. Three and a half years later he became a Cobbler playing in both up front and in defence, scoring 13 goals in his 67 appearances. Next stop was Arsenal where John was restricted to being used as cover but he made 166 reserve team appearances in three seasons. He also won the first of his 22 Welsh caps to add to the under 23 and under 21’s he had won with Swansea and Northampton. He also won a Division One title medal with the Gunners. He had offers to stay in London but decided on a move to Birmingham and later Wrexham with whom he won a Division Three title medal. A short spell playing and managing in Welsh non-league football was followed by a job as a salesman for a stationary firm before he became a driving instructor. He then took over a clothes shop with his wife.

RONSON, NevilleNorthampton Town Football Club was saddened to learn of the passing of former Chairman Neville Ronson in Aoril 2013. Neville was a fair player at local level and was a regular in the Queen Eleanor side during the war years and just after. During the late 1950’s he set up his own building and contracting business joining the Cobblers board in 1967. Six years later he took over as Chairman holding the position when the club won promotion to Division Three as runners up to Lincoln City in 1976. The following season Pat Crerand resigned as manager with the club in the relegation zone and rather than employ another manager, Nev headed a ‘committee’ made up of himself, the coaching staff and senior players who made the team selection, sadly in never worked and the club were relegated. Nev handed over the Chairman’s role to Bob Brett for the following season but within two years was back in the hot seat holding the position until 1985 when he sold his shares to Derek Banks after a proposed merger with Kettering Town was rejected by both the Football League and Northampton Town supporters. For a short time Nev was made Club President but business interests took priority and he vacated the position within months of accepting the post.

SABIN, DarrenDarren Sabin passed away on October 19th 2011 after a brave battle against cancer. Darren was a well known DJ from Kingsthorpe and a lifelong supporter of Northampton Town Football Club. He was sent to heaven in his Cobblers shirt, and all of us at the club would like to send our condolences to his friends and family.

SCOTT, GeoffNorthampton Town Football Club are saddened to learn of the passing of former defender Geoff Scott in October 2018. Geoff played as a defender for Stoke City, Leicester City, Birmingham City, Charlton Athletic and Middlesbrough before joining the Cobblers in 1984. His stay at the County Ground was short as there was a large turnover of players at the time. After 10 months at the County Ground he joined Cambridge United but injury ended his playing career. After a spell as manager of Highgate FC, he took a degree in business studies and worked in telecommunications. By 2010 he was Chief Executive of XPRO, an organisation that caters for the welfare of ex-professional footballers.

SHIRLEY, RonWe were saddened to learn of the recent passing of supporter Ron Shirley. Ron was an avid Cobblers supporter for more than 60 years, following the team all over the country, initially with his brother Bill and then with his friends. He became a season ticket holder in 1994 and was a true Cobbler until the end. Rest in peace Ron.

SHIRTLIFF, PaulNorthampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the death of former player Paul Shirtliff in September 2009. After four seasons and ten games for Sheffield Wednesday, Paul joined Northampton for the start of the 1984-85 season. Playing in either midfield or defence, Paul was in and out of the side, making 30 first team appearances. He was released at the end of the 1984-85 season and he joined Frickley where his career took off. Over the next ten seasons he also appeared for Boston, Redbridge and Gateshead commanding a fee when he moved between the latter two clubs. He also won 15 semi-professional caps for England (now known as England C.) Paul left school with seven 'O' levels and later secured business degrees. The younger brother of Peter (ex Sheffield Wednesday and Charlton), Paul sadly lost his battle against cancer at the age of 46.

SIBLEY, GilbertThe club were deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mr Gilbert Sibley. Mr Sibley passed away on Thursday November 25 2004 having been a Cobblers supporter for 60 years. The club would like to send our sincerest condolences to Gilbert's family and friends.

SMITH, AlecAlec passed away at the end of August 2008 after a long battle against illness. Alec gave over 40 years dedication and hard work to Northampton Town Football Club. He was a former Chairman of the Supporters Club and along with his late wife Evelyn, he organised the matchday programme sellers and matchday tickets. He was a true football fan and a loyal supporter of Northampton Town Football Club. Alec will be sadly missed.

SMITH, EvelynEvelyn passed away on 26th October 2003 after an association with the club lasting 33 years. She assisted in programme distribution until her sad death.

SMITH, JimWe are saddened to announce that Jim Smith, an avid supporter and season ticket holder for 31 years, passed away on 16th August 2017. Our thoughts are with Jim's friends and family.

SMITH, PeteNorthampton Town Football Club were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Pete Smith in April 2018. Pete was a long serving matchday announcer at both the County Ground and Sixfields and we send our deepest condolences to Pete's friends and family as this sad time.

STAFFORD, Steve Steve passed away on Saturday 16th February 2002 peacefully aged 62 years. He was a life long Cobblers fan, being a regular at home matches for some 55 years both home and away.

STARMER, RogerWe were sad to learn of the passing of supporter Mr Roger Starmer in October 2009. Roger, who lived in Northampton attended Cobblers matches for over 30 years. He was also a well-known businessman having set up an accountancy practice on Billing Road known as Smith, Starmer, Hart which is now Moore Stephens who have offices in Northampton, Kettering and Corby. We would like to send our condolences to Mr Starmer's friends and family.

STAROSCIK, FelixNorthampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the recent death of former player Felix Staroscik. Felix was born in Silesia (Poland) on 20th May 1920. He joined Wolves as an amateur but never made an appearance before a transfer to Third Lanark in Scotland where he signed a professional contract and became a tricky and skilful winger. Felix joined the Cobblers in July 1951 but despite having the ability to play on either wing he found it hard to shift Jack English and Tommy Fowler from the first team. A prolific scorer for a winger, Felix often topped the scoring charts for the reserves and in November 1954 he was at one stage top scorer for the first team and reserves at the same time. Felix joined Bedford during the 1955 close season after 52 games and 17 goals for the Cobblers. Despite being 35, Felix gave the Eagles many seasons and helped his side beat Watford and Norwich and hold Arsenal to a draw in FA Cup ties. Settling in Bedford, he often played golf in his 80's at the club where his son was also played. Felix died in Bromham near Bedford on August 7th 2009, aged 89.

SYRETT, DaveNorthampton Town were saddened to learn of the passing in July 2016 of former striker Dave Syrett. Syrett played for the club from 1982-1984 and scored four goals in a single game against Bristol City. He also appeared for Swindon, Mansfield, Walsall and Peterborough. He passed away on 26th July follow year long battle with a brain tumour, at the age of just 60. We send our condolences to Dave's friends and family.

TEBBUTT, Andrew Everyone at Northampton Town was deeply saddened and shocked to learn of the sudden and unexpected passing of Andrew ‘Tebs’ Tebbutt at the age of 38.Tebs was a lifelong Cobbler from the Hotel End to Sixfields and a regular at away games attending matches at nearly all of the 92 Premier League and EFL stadiums. He was a gentleman and true friend of many. Respectful with a kind heart and a well-known face, not just at football which was his passion, but he was also involved in golf, cricket, pool, darts and could be seen at many race meetings where he liked to have a little flutter.An organiser of the Tebsy’s Tours minibus throughout the 90’s to away matches, he gave a lot of enjoyment and memories to Cobblers fans. The tour bus branched out to PDC Darts at The Circus Tavern /Alexandra Palace and also to Cheltenham Races.He played football all his life from a young age going on to become player/manager of a Sunday Alliance team called ‘Travellers FC’, named after the NTFC fans who attended away matches.Tebs was also patriotic and attended England games at Wembley (old and new) and was a member of the England Travel Club visiting cities across Europe to support his country and watch his love of football.He lived life to the full, taking no half measures, who gave as good as he got and loved a bit of friendly banter. Tebs will be greatly missed at Northampton Town matches and for some they will not be the same. He will be at every game, in spirit, following the Cobblers on to victory. Our love, thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this sad time.

TERRY, Pat Northampton Town Football Club were deeply saddened to learn of the death of former player Pat Terry. Lambeth born Pat was the old-fashioned centre forward who bustled through 90 minutes, full of energy and commitment. He was one of the best headers of the ball at the time despite him being only 5'10". Two thirds of his 226 league goals came via his head!He never stayed at any club for more than three seasons yet played football until he was 40! Charlton Athletic signed him from Eastbourne in 1954 but his chances were limited with the first division side so he jumped at the chance to join third division Newport County. He netted 30 league goals in 55 league games before moving up a division with. Swansea. Injury restricted his appearances so he moved on again to Gillingham this time.Sixty league goals in 110 games attracted several clubs including Dave Bowen at Northampton, however Pat's stay at the County Ground was short he asked for a move at Christmas 1961, moving on to Millwall in February 1962. In the two and a half seasons he spent at the Den he won his first promotion as the club moved up to Division Three. Next stop was Reading with another 41 goals, then Swindon for a season and a half. Pat was 34 when he joined Brentford but sill averaged a goal every other game for them. In 1969 he moved into non-league football with Hillingdon Borough, followed by Folkestone, Stevenage and Greenwich. Anyone travelling to and from Heathrow in the Seventies and eighties may well have used Pat's taxi as he spent several years as a cabbie around the airport area. He died in a Kent nursing home in April 2007 aged 73.

TEW, MikeA Cobblers supporter for many, many years, he was a warm, generous and genuinely kind person who sadly passed away at the end of August 2002.

TOMLIN, JimIt was with great sadness that we heard of the sudden passing of Jim Tomlin, aged 56 in February 2013. Jim will be well known to many older Cobblers fans in that he was one of the fans who started off the Cobblers Mounties, later to be taken over by the official supporters club, and Jim had many tales of away travel in adversity on some fairly dodgy coaches. It was then many years later he was one of the founders of Trust Travel Club along with Barry Parker and David Linnell. They travelled many miles together in those early years with Jim ever ready with some pithy comment or joke to help the day along or try and cheer me up after a heavy defeat. Many people will have fond memories of Jim, a true Cobblers supporter, and a fervent hockey player, and our thoughts are with his family. Goodnight Jim we will be thinking of you and we are sure you will be with us in spirit.

TULL, WalterWalter Tull, the son of joiner, was born in Folkestone in April 1888. Walter's father, the son of a slave, had arrived from Barbados in 1876. In 1895, when Walter was seven, his mother died. Walter's father remarried but he died two years later. The stepmother was unable to cope with all six children and Walter and his brother Edward were sent to a Methodist run orphanage in Bethnal Green, London. Walter was a keen footballer and played for a local team in Clapton. In 1908 Walter's talents were discovered by a scout from Tottenham Hotspur and the club decided to sign this promising young footballer. He played for Tottenham until 1910, when he was transferred to Northampton Town. Walter was the first black outfield player to play professional football in Britain. When the First World War broke out, Walter abandoned his football career to join the 17th (1st Football) Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment. During his military training Walter was promoted three times. In November 1914, as Lance Sergeant he was sent to Les Ciseaux in France. In May, 1915 Walter was sent home with post traumatic stress disorder. Returning to France in September 1916 Walter fought in Battle of the Somme, between October and November, 1916. His courage and abilities encouraged his superior officers to recommend him as an officer. On 26 December, 1916, Walter went back to England on Leave and to train as an officer. There were military laws forbidding 'any person of colour' being commissioned as an officer, despite this, Walter was promoted to lieutenant in 1917. Walter was the first ever Black officer in the British Army, and the first black officer to lead white men into battle. Walter was sent to the Italian Front where he twice led his Company across the River Piave on a raid and both times brought all of his troops back safely. He was mentioned in Despatches for his 'gallantry and coolness' under fire by his commanding officer. He was recommended for the Military Cross but never received it. After their time in Italy, Walter's Battalion was transferred to Somme Valley in France. On 25 March, 1918, Walter Tull was killed by machine gun fire while trying to help his men retreat. Walter was such a popular man and several of his men risked their own lives in an attempt to retrieve his body under heavy fire but they were unsuccessful due to the enemy soldiers advance. Walter's body was never found and he is one of thousands of soldiers from World War One who has no known grave. A memorial to Walter was unveiled at Sixfields in 1999.

UPTON, FrankFrank was born in Nuneaton on the 18th October 1934 and was a blacksmith's apprentice who was playing for Nuneaton when he was offered a contract by the Cobblers in March 1953. After seventeen games, he became the subject of an offer from Derby joining them in 1955 and helping them to lift the Division Three North Championship. Next stop was Chelsea and during his stay suffered relegation from Division One and won promotion back within three seasons. A short spell at Notts County was followed by a step into management with Worcester City but before completing a full season he was offered a similar position by Football League side Workington. Sadly the side suffered re-election and manager and club parted company. Frank then lived out of a suitcase as he took coaching jobs with several clubs in England and Scotland as well as Sweden, the Middle East, Malaysia and India where he was appointed national team coach. He also had a short spell back at the County Ground as coach/scout but stayed less than a month. Frank died in May 2011.

VANN, BernardOn October 3rd 1918, former Cobblers striker Bernard Vann was killed in action in WW1 at Ramicourt in France. Vann, who was born in Rushden, was a remarkable figure. In terms of his footballing career, he was a centre forward who played for the Cobblers between 1905 and 1907, scoring five goals in eight appearances. He is more widely recognised though for his work in WW1 and was a recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry that can be awarded to British armed forces. He was the only ordained clergyman of the Church of England to be awarded the VC in the Great War as a combatant. His wife gave birth to his son, Geoffrey, eight months after his death. Vann is buried in the Bellicourt Cemetry in northern France.

WALDEN, HarryNorthampton Town are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former player Harry Walden in September 2018. Harry started his career with Kettering Town, having played for his local side Walgrave as a schoolboy. He soon drew interest from professional clubs and in January 1961 he joined Luton Town playing for them for three and a half years in Division Two, playing in the position of outside right. He joined the Cobblers in June 1964 in an exchange deal that saw regular right winger Billy Hails move the other way. Not a natural goalscorer, Harry created a lot of goals for his team mates with his runs down the right wing and accurate crosses. He helped the club win promotion to Division One and despite losing his place to Joe Broadfoot for a short spell, he fought his way back into first team contention. He left the County Ground in May 1967 as the club were relegated to Division Three. He wound down his playing career back with his first club, Kettering Town. After retiring from football, he was the caretaker at Cherry Orchard School in Northampton for many years.

WALTERS, John Northampton Town Football Club were saddened to learn of the passing of supporter John Walters, aged 70 years, in March 2011. John was a true Northamptonian and a Cobblers season ticket holder, regularly attending matches with his family. John was a retired engineer and played local amateur football as an uncompromising defender until the ripe old age of 53. He followed the Cobblers for 60 years, including the Division One campaign, Play Off finals and more. His most memorable game was the Play Off semi final win over Bristol Rovers in 1998. He bravely fought illness for several years and still managed to visit Sixfields to see the team - his last game was the Macclesfield Town match on March 12th. John will be sadly missed by all who knew him. He leaves a wife Angela, son Lee, daughter Lynn and grandchildren JJ, Lewis, Garnett, Cydney and Elliott.

WARD, BrianWe were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sixfields Travel Club Chairman Brian Ward in March 2017. Brian had held this post of Chairman of the Sixfields Travel Club for 17 years.

WHITEHOUSE, KeironIt is with great regret that the club learned of the death at the tragically young age of 20 from testicular cancer of Kieron Whitehouse, a season ticket holder at Sixfields.

WILSON, ConThe death in October 2008 at the age of 74 of former chairman Con Wilson deprived Northampton Town Football Club of one of its most dedicated supporters and backers and the whole county of a man who was part of a sporting dynasty. Con was a bookmaker who had shops in Far Cotton and St.James. Con joined the Board of Directors in 1967. He remained for 12 years and spent one, brief spell as Chairman. In his time as a member of the board and indeed right until his passing, Con has always been there to help the club in time of need. He never wanted publicity about it because that was not his way. He was content to be there in his seat in the West Stand for as many Sixfields games as he could.

WILSON, GrahameGrahame was a member of the ‘Friends of the Cobblers’ group, a committee of local businessmen who joined Derek Banks on the board of the Cobblers in 1984 and he played his part in the successful 1986/87 season. Grahame was an electrical retailer and contractor and once saved an evening game from being cancelled minutes before kick off at the County Ground when he found the cause of an electrical problem. He resigned from the board in 1989 but still attended games until the 2015/16 season. He sadly passed away in October 2016.

WILSON, LynnMr Lynn Wilson sadly passed away in July 2008. Mr Wilson was a loyal supporter of the club for many years and a keen follower of all Northampton sport.

WINCHCOMBE, KenThe distinctive tones of the Cockney Cobbler will be sadly missed following the death of Ken Winchcombe on 6th September 2004. The West Stand area to the left of the Directors Box has witnessed fervent support from Ken with his regular outbursts of "Come on you Cobblers" in his broad cockney accent during every home game. Ken was born in 1926 in the West end of London. He joined the navy at 16 years old and during his time there he won many boxing tournaments. After being demobbed he started his own plastic moulding company in North London. Ken married present wife Katie in 1979 and moved from London to Milton Keynes 3 years later. Up until his move north Ken was an Arsenal supporter, but he soon changed his allegiance to Northampton Town. He became a season ticket holder, attending all home matches and many away matches. There was not a more passionate Cobblers supporter in the whole West Stand. He always said that our first trip to Wembley when we beat Swansea was his most enjoyable day watching football. Despite being very ill, Ken was determined to be at Sixfields for the derby game against the Diamonds - it was to be his last visit. His many friends will sadly miss him and the area around seat P112 will never be the same again.

WORLEY, DerekWe were sorry to learn of the passing of lifelong Cobblers fan Derek Worley in June 2013. Derek adored the Cobblers, and he was a fan for 90 years!! He started attending games before he was even born, passing through the County Ground turnstiles while in his mother's tummy and he later taught his son-in-law all about the benefits of supporting the Cobblers. Sadly Derek didn't make the trip to Wembley in May, he was too poorly and his daughter's last conversation with him the Monday before he died was about which players were leaving and which players were staying with the club. He was buried in his son-in-law's favourite Cobblers shirt, as he would have wanted. We would like to send our condolences to Derek's family. May he rest in peace.